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      A man bent over the intense heat of a forge…

      The stranger appeared single-minded in his devotion to his craft, as if chained there by the fire and his work, pounding at some inner demon only he could see. Hayley found herself moving stealthily closer, drawn by the rhythmic force of his blows, awed by the beauty they were creating.

      She was certain she hadn’t made a sound, but without warning he turned. Hayley froze.

      “Who the devil are you?” he demanded gruffly. The heat of his gaze was far hotter than his fire. His voice was deep and soft as crushed velvet. A tingle traveled up Hayley’s spine.

      “I’d be careful calling on the devil if I were you. You already look like you’re standing over the fires of hell.”

      The man blinked in surprise. The corners of his lips darted upward for a second, but the hint of a smile disappeared before it could fully form.

      “A good reason for you to run away, little girl.”

      Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

      Beginning this October, Harlequin Intrigue has expanded its lineup to six books! Publishing two more titles each month enables us to bring you an extraordinary selection of breathtaking stories of romantic suspense filled with exciting editorial variety—and we encourage you to try all that we have to offer.

      Stock up on catnip! Caroline Burnes brings back your favorite feline sleuth to beckon you into a new mystery in the popular series FEAR FAMILIAR. This four-legged detective sticks his whiskers into the mix to help clear a stunning stuntwoman’s name in Familiar Double. Up next is Dani Sinclair’s new HEARTSKEEP trilogy starting with The Firstborn—a darkly sensual gothic romance that revolves around a sinister suspense plot. To lighten things up, bestselling Harlequin American Romance author Judy Christenberry crosses her beloved BRIDES FOR BROTHERS series into Harlequin Intrigue with Randall Renegade—a riveting reunion romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

      Keeping Baby Safe by Debra Webb could either passionately reunite a duty-bound COLBY AGENCY operative and his onetime lover—or tear them apart forever. Don’t miss the continuation of this action-packed series. Then Amy J. Fetzer launches our BACHELORS AT LARGE promotion featuring fearless men in blue with Under His Protection. Finally, watch for Dr. Bodyguard by debut author Jessica Andersen. Will a hunky doctor help penetrate the emotional walls around a lady genius before a madman closes in?

      Pick up all six for a complete reading experience you won’t forget!

      Enjoy,

      Denise O’Sullivan

      Senior Editor

      Harlequin Intrigue

      The Firstborn

      Dani Sinclair

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      For Helen Pastis whose caring has no limits.

       For Roger, Chip, Dan and Barb.

      With heartfelt thanks to

      Natashya Wilson and Judy Fitzwater.

       You’re both terrific.

      Special thanks to Judy Boone for answering my questions,

      and to her husband, Daniel,

      whose family of blacksmiths

      traces back fifteen generations.

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      An avid reader, Dani Sinclair didn’t discover romance novels until her mother lent her one when she had come for a visit. Dani’s been hooked on the genre ever since. But she didn’t take up writing seriously until her two sons were grown. Since the premiere of Mystery Baby for Harlequin Intrigue in 1996, Dani has kept her computer busy. Her third novel, Better Watch Out, was a RITA^® Award finalist in 1998. Dani lives outside Washington, D.C., a place she’s found to be a great source for both intrigue and humor!

      You can write to her in care of the Harlequin Reader Service.

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Dennison Hart—He made sure Heartskeep would stay in the family. It didn’t occur to him he was setting them up to be victims.

      Amy Hart Thomas—When her father died seven years ago, she disappeared without a trace….

      Marcus Thomas—He married his nurse as soon as he had his first wife declared legally dead.

      Eden Voxx Thomas—She doesn’t care what the world thinks. She married Marcus and she intends to run Heartskeep as she sees fit.

      Hayley Hart Thomas—As the firstborn, she inherits. But only if she survives long enough to claim her inheritance.

      Bram Myers—The sexy blacksmith was hired to put bars on the windows and doors. But is he a safe haven or the source of the storm?

      Leigh Hart Thomas—Hayley’s twin is in England visiting with friends. Isn’t she?

      Jacob Voxx—Everyone likes Eden’s son. Everyone except Bram.

      Odette Norwhich—Eden’s newly hired cook has an attitude problem—and total access to Heartskeep.

      Paula Kerstairs—Eden’s newly hired housekeeper moves like a wraith through the mansion hearing more than she should.

      George and Emily Walken—These neighbors and close friends of the family have taken in troubled youths for years.

      Helen Pepperton Myers—Did her death in childbirth precipitate a plan for revenge?

      Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

      HEARTSKEEP is a series I’ve been developing for several years. The idea grew from an actual home where the front parlor had been converted into a doctor’s office. The house fired my imagination. There was a sense of tiredness about the sprawling old building, as if it had seen too much of life over the years. What secrets might it hide?

      I don’t know about the real house, but Heartskeep has many secrets. When Hayley Thomas arrives to claim her inheritance, she discovers a dark, formidable structure—much like the compelling stranger she finds working with such fierce intensity in the woods out back. Who is this man? Why does he stir such strong emotions in her? Nothing is the way she remembers. Is she losing her mind as well as her heart? Step into Heartskeep and find out for yourself.

      Happy reading!

      Contents

      Chapter One

      Chapter Two

      Chapter Three

      Chapter Four

      Chapter Five

      Chapter Six

      Chapter Seven

      Chapter Eight

      Chapter Nine

      Chapter Ten

      Chapter Eleven

      Chapter Twelve

      Chapter Thirteen

      Chapter Fourteen

      Chapter One

      Almost home.

      Hayley Thomas suppressed a shudder. Heartskeep hadn’t been home since the day her mother disappeared more than seven years ago. The sprawling estate along the Hudson River was the envy

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